D-backs lift Hellickson to win over Giants
SAN FRANCISCO -- Jeremy Hellickson ended a streak of 11 winless starts Sunday and received offensive support from Paul Goldschmidt and Chris Owings as the Arizona Diamondbacks tamed the San Francisco Giants, 5-1.
Hellickson lasted 6 2/3 innings, allowing one run and eight hits. Since recording his previous victory while pitching for Tampa Bay at Oakland last Aug. 6, Hellickson went 0-6 with a 5.67 ERA in 11 starts entering this game.
"When he started out, it was a little rough," D-backs manager Chip Hale said. "The ball was up, [he] wasn't throwing a lot of strikes, and as the game went on, he started getting down in the zone, getting ahead and getting some early-count outs, which is what we're looking for."
The Giants, who tumbled to their ninth defeat in 10 games, actually outhit Arizona through eight innings, 8-6. But they advanced only three runners into scoring position.
"We're all going out there giving everything we've got, and I think sometimes it's natural for your offense to press and try too hard," Giants left-hander Jeremy Affeldt said. "Buster [Posey] and I were talking about it. When we were winning [Saturday], it was easier to relax at the plate for some of these guys."
Video: ARI@SF: Aoki hammers a triple to the gap
The D-backs made their hits count, as Goldschmidt walloped a two-run, first-inning homer and Owings stroked a bases-loaded, two-run single with two outs to cap a three-run uprising in the third inning. For his career, Goldschmidt is batting .302 with eight home runs and 31 RBIs in 126 at-bats at AT&T Park.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Doubling up: Hellickson was able to use the double-play ball to help limit the damage or get out of jams in the first, second and fifth innings. The double plays allowed Hellickson to keep his pitch count manageable and pitch deep into the game.
Video: ARI@SF: Hill starts an inning-ending double play
Third degree: The D-backs victimized Giants starter Tim Hudson, who worked five innings and allowed all five runs. Hudson had chances to escape Arizona's three-run third inning unscathed. But he issued a two-out walk to Aaron Hill on a close 3-2 pitch, loading the bases. That set up a run when Hudson hit Jordan Pacheco with a pitch. Owings then singled on an 0-2 pitch.
Video: ARI@SF: Owings delivers a two-run single to right
Goldy, Goldy, gone: Goldschmidt capped an impressive road trip with a two-run homer in the first. The blast gave Hellickson a lead to work with and helped turn the page from Saturday night when the offense struggled. Goldschmidt hit three homers on the seven-game trip and has 12 against the Giants in his career.
Video: ARI@SF: Goldy delivers a two-run blast to left
QUOTABLE
"I've been able to have some success, but you never know when that's going to change. It could be a terrible series next time so I just try to get a good pitch to hit and hit it hard. Just keep it simple." -- Goldschmidt, on his prodigious offensive production in San Francisco.
WHAT'S NEXT
D-backs: The D-backs get a day off Monday before opening a two-game series against the Rangers at 6:40 p.m. MST on Tuesday at Chase Field. Chase Anderson will make his third start of the year and he is still looking for his first win.
Giants: The atmosphere promises to be more intense than usual Tuesday at AT&T Park, where San Francisco will face its archrival, the Los Angeles Dodgers, for the first time this year in a 7:15 p.m. PT encounter. Giants right-hander Tim Lincecum will oppose Dodgers lefty Brett Anderson.
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